Advanced Search

Offbeat Traveler: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

In the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop, Calif., stand some of the world's oldest trees. When the most senior of these were sprouting up, the great Pyramids of Giza were being built. Among the gnarled bunch is the Methuselah Tree, said to be the world's oldest. Named after the aged biblical figure, it is believed to be nearly 5,000 years old.

The pine forest, part of Inyo National Forest, recently reopened after a winter hiatus, with the visitor center open daily. Two of the three nearby hiking trails remain closed. The 1-mile Discovery trail is open. The Methuselah Loop trail is expected to reopen in the coming weeks.

Before you visit, here are six views of the forest and some facts to consider.

Ancient trees

(
Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images
)

Bristlecone pines like these are gnarly ghosts on the landscape of Inyo National Forest near Bishop, Calif. The location of the oldest one, the Methuselah Tree, is kept secret for preservation reasons, so you won't see signs announcing its presence.